Professional Resume Template for
Kayak Instructor
Devon J. Miller
Eugene, OR
(541) 555-0182
devon.miller@email.com
linkedin.com/in/devon-miller-kayak | instagram.com/devonmiller_paddlesports
Professional Summary
Safety-conscious Kayak Instructor with 5 years of experience leading flatwater, whitewater, and coastal paddling programs for diverse groups up to 15 participants. Proficient in executing wet rescues, T-rescues, and rolling techniques, while maintaining a 100% incident-free safety record across 400+ guided tours. Proven success in increasing client re-booking rates by 22% and improving course survey satisfaction scores from 84% to 98% through structured skill progressions and personalized coaching. Expert in wilderness risk management, ACA course guidelines, and kayak fleet maintenance. Certified ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor and Wilderness First Responder.
Work Experience
Lead Kayak Instructor — Oregon Adventure Paddling
Eugene, OR | May 2024 – Present
- Instructed 120+ recreational and intermediate students annually in Level 1-3 coastal kayaking techniques, achieving a 98% course completion and safety certification rate.
- Led a team of 4 junior guides in maintaining a fleet of 45 rotomolded and composite kayaks, reducing annual gear repair and replacement costs by 15% through preventative maintenance.
- Designed a new safety briefing protocol and on-water rescue drill sequence, which reduced customer capsize recovery times by an average of 45 seconds per incident.
- Coordinated logistics and risk management plans for 85 multi-day wilderness kayak expeditions, maintaining a perfect zero-incident record over a combined 2,400 miles traveled.
Kayak Instructor & Guide — Cascade Kayak School
Bend, OR | June 2021 – April 2024
- Delivered 250+ guided half-day and full-day river tours for groups of up to 12 participants, generating $85,000 in direct booking revenue with zero safety infractions.
- Established a summer youth paddling camp program that enrolled 180+ campers over 3 seasons, boosting annual seasonal school revenue by 24% and local brand awareness.
- Reorganized inventory tracking for 60+ paddles, PFDs, spray skirts, and safety equipment, reducing annual gear loss rates from 8% to less than 1% over a 12-month period.
- Conducted weekly kayak rolling workshops and pool practice sessions for 35 members, leading to a 40% increase in members' self-rescue capabilities and club retention.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation Management
Oregon State University · Corvallis, OR · 2021
Skills
Coastal kayaking instruction, Whitewater guiding, Wet rescues, T-rescues, Eskimo rolls, Group management, Wilderness navigation, Weather interpretation, Leave No Trace (LNT), Risk management, First Aid/CPR/AED, Equipment maintenance, Customer service, Trip scheduling, Fleet logistics
Projects
Estuary Ecotourism Development Project
Role: Lead Route Planner & Safety Consultant
Tools: Google Earth Pro, Garmin GPS, Excel
Mapped and established 4 new low-impact ecotourism kayak routes, increasing seasonal passenger volume by 30% and local environmental education program reach.
Community Adaptive Paddling Clinic
Role: Program Coordinator & Lead Trainer
Tools: Adaptive outfitting gear, Google Forms, Sheets
Configured adaptive seating systems and trained 10 volunteers to host 6 weekend clinics, providing safe paddling opportunities for 45 participants with limited mobility.
Certifications
- American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Instructor (2022)
- NOLS Wilderness Medicine Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (2021)
- American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers (2021)
Additional information
- Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
- Specialties: Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), tandem kayaking, flatwater race coaching
- Availability: Immediate start, willing to relocate
Job Market Insights
Market data and opportunities for
Kayak Instructor
Job Market Insights
$32,000
-
$55,000
Avg:
$42,000
Growth Outlook:
The employment outlook for kayak instructors and broader recreation workers in the United States remains positive, driven by growing interest in outdoor activities and eco-friendly adventure tourism. As consumers prioritize health, wellness, and experiential travel, outdoor recreation services are expanding. While seasonal variations and weather patterns affect short-term demand, professional instructors with advanced safety certifications and group leadership skills will find stable opportunities. The sector is projected to experience a 4% growth rate over the next decade.
4% growth over 10 years
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